Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)

I do not think it is credible to suggest that this Government is anything other than anti-worker. Look at its actions in just the past few weeks - the delay of a promised extension of sick leave. I remember debating the sick leave legislation here. I remember us saying the extension of time should be in the legislation and the Government saying, “We do not need to write it in, but do not worry, we will extend it.” The Government is delaying the introduction of a promised living wage and now is standing over a situation of legalised super-exploitation of young people. The Tánaiste is saying it is okay for workers under the age of 20 who are doing the same work as colleagues beside them to be paid less than the minimum wage. I have no problem going into cafés, restaurants or shops in my constituency and saying, “It is not okay to pay people less than the minimum wage.” Surely the Government should be in a position to do that. How long is this delay going to be? The justification that is being given for continuing with this super-exploitation of young people is not legitimate. The Low Pay Commission looked at it and said it would not stand up, it does not amount to a legitimate aim and would therefore not be legal under the EU directive on adequate minimum wages that if you have exceptions, they need to be in pursuit of a legitimate aim and that pursuance of cost savings for employers does not count as that. That is clearly the agenda the Tánaiste is setting out.

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